Tuesday - Proverbs 21 - How about God?

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GAIN in this chapter, as in the last, we have many practical tidbits of advice packaged together.  However, there is a theme that arises, and that is "the importance of considering how God fits into every equation."  In any scenario in life where we have a decision to make, we would be wise to consider how God's involvement is sure to affect the outcome.

CASE 1: God studies our hearts (Proverbs 21:2).  We may develop a wonderful reputation and record among our peers, but God evaluates our intentions, motivations, desires and mindsets.  Which is more important? Pleasing God or ourselves, & others (Proverbs 21:3)?

CASE 2: We do well to consider and to expose the wickedness of the wicked culture in which we live, however, ultimately it will be up to God to bring in righteousness.  Even if we are involved in a revival, a reformation or a revolution, justice can only be accomplished with God's inclusion, involvement and superintendence (Proverbs 21:12).

CASE 3: There is really no such thing as a campaign against God.  When men strive against God, He turns their energy and efforts against them and succeeds even more in their resistance.  In that sense God is always undefeatable and irresistible.  Additionally, we can contribute nothing significant to the final success of God, even when we struggle to support Him.  God is moving in a particular direction at a set pace and there is absolutely nothing that we can ever say or do to either stop Him or to make Him more likely to reach His destination (Proverbs 21:30 & 31).  Argue if you like for freewill and for the efficacy of prayer.  I'll agree vigorously concerning the genuine existence of both, yet still, our sovereign God transcends us and controls us in ways that are unperceivable and incomprehensible.  We are surely blamable in many cases, but whenever credit is due, it is always due to Him, never to us (Psalm 115:1).  God wants us, but He doesn’t need us.